Burn Injuries

Fire, Explosion, Electrical, and Chemical Burn Accidents

According to the American Burn Association, nearly 500,000 people are treated for burn injuries every year. Victims burned in fires, explosions, and other accidents are often left with serious injuries that require painful and expensive medical treatment. Burns can cause swelling, blistering, infection, scarring and, in serious cases, shock, and death.

2010 BURN INJURY STATISTICS

In 2010, 450,000 people had burn injuries requiring medical attention

45,000 had burn injuries requiring hospitalization

About 55% of those hospitalized for a burn injury were sent to a burn center

3,500 died from fire/burn related injuries in 2010

About 75% of deaths occurred at the scene or during initial transport

COMMON CAUSES OF BURN INJURIES

Fire/flame

Explosion

Scalding liquid

Electrical shock

Chemical reaction

CLASSIFICATION OF BURN INJURIES

Burns are often classified by degree (first, second, third) and severity (minor or major). Treatment for burn injuries is determined by the type of burn, severity of tissue damage, size of burn, and area of the body affected.

First-degree burns damage only the outer layer of skin

Second-degree burns damage the outer layer and the layer underneath

Third-degree burns damage or destroy the deepest layer of skin and tissues underneath and often require skin grafts

LIABILITY FOR BURN INJURIES

Burn injuries can be caused by a number of factors- from defective household and industrial products to car accidents, workplace accidents, or even faulty electrical wiring. If your burn injury was caused by negligence on the part of an individual or company, you may choose to hire an attorney to help recover damages including past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.